“The Lake of Cool Finn (Willie Leonard)”

Description

Willie Leonard and a friend visit Lake Cool Finn. Willie dives in first, and swims to an island, but warns his friend not to follow, warning of "deep and false water...." When Willie tries to swim back, he vanishes (to fairyland?). He is mourned by many

Broadsides

• Bodleian, 2806 b.11(260), "The Lakes of Cold Finn," H. Such (London), 1863-1885; also Harding B 20(88), "The Lakes of Cold Finn"; 2806 b.11(31), Firth b.26(168), Harding B 11(1376), "Willie Leonard"
• LOCSinging, as107400, "The Lakes of Cold Finn," unknown, 19C

Recordings

• Amy Birch, "Royal Comrade" (on Voice11)
• Patsy Flynn, "Willie Leonard" (on IRHardySons)
• Tom Lenihan, "The Lake of Coolfin" (on IRTLenihan01)
• Mary Reynolds, "The Lakes of Shallin" (on FSB7)
• Cathie Stewart, "The Lakes of Shillin" (on SCStewartsBlair01)
• Scan Tester, "The Lakes of Coalflin" (on Voice03)

References

1. Laws Q33, "The Lake of Cool Finn"
2. Leach, pp. 732-733, "Willie Leonard or the Lake of Cool Finn" (1 text)
3. FSCatskills 72, "The Lakes of Col Flynn" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. Kennedy 324, "The Lakes of Shallin" (1 text, 1 tune)
5. SHenry H176, p. 146, "Willie Lennox" (1 text, 1 tune)
6. Munnelly/Deasy-Lenihan 35, "The Lake of Coolfin" (1 text, 1 tune)
7. McBride 44, "Johnny Bathin" (1 text, 1 tune)
8. O'Conor, pp. 15-16, "Lakes of Cold Finn" (1 text)
9. cf. Gardner/Chickering, p. 480, "The Lakes of Cold Finn" (source notes only)
10. DT 541, LKCOLFIN* LKCOLFI2*
11. Roud #189
12. BI, LQ33